Desktop virtualization is slated to become the driving force behind the continual growth of the IT sector in the coming decade. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) separates the desktop environment and application from the physical device and moves them to a central server. Seeing its growth in the past few years, it is about to become a mainstay for executing business operations.
Like any emerging technology, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is shrouded in confusion for many clients, users, and vendors. It may take various forms, which increases the level of complication for a client trying to decide on the kind of service they wish to procure. Selecting the type of VDI best suited for a business requires a thorough understanding of the nature and process of each type of VDI because only then can the company can decide which kind of VDI suits their needs perfectly.
The first step to understanding different kinds of VDI is to know the difference between persistent and non-persistent VDI.
- Persistent VDI is similar to traditional desktop setups because it lets the user personalize their virtual desktop, as the user connects to the same desktop for each use. Persistent desktop solutions have a unique image for each user that allows for customization, and the changes are saved after the user logs out. In short, a personal virtual machine is dedicated to each individual end-user.
- Non-Persistent VDI, on the other hand, is an environment where the user connects to a generic desktop each time on an as-needed basis. The virtual desktop reverts to its original state after each use and the changes made are not saved. Thus, there is no scope for customization of desktops—it is much more cost-effective and straightforward to manage. Non-persistent VDI is generally used for organizations that employ many workers who complete a set of generic tasks each day and have no need for customization.
VDI of either persistent or non-persistent nature can be deployed using various means. For ease of understanding, these have been divided into three main categories.
1. Desktop-Based VDI: In this VDI, the OS runs on a Virtual Machine (VM) hosted on a cloud server. End-users have access to a fully capable desktop operating system solely dedicated to meeting their requirements. Depending on the nature of deployment, the VMs can be personalized and customized as the user sees fit. This model supports various complex and specialized applications that may be incompatible with a shared operating system model.
It is best suited for clients who have high computing requirements. This model is also beneficial because end users do not have to compromise on storage or memory. With access to individual virtual machines, the actions of each user are isolated from the other. Another benefit of desktop-based VDI is the high degree of control and flexibility it provides.
2. Server-Based VDI: This is a type of session virtualization where the host OS is run on a server, and its image is accessible to multiple end-users via personal login credentials. A single desktop image can be utilized for several virtual PCs, and this reduces storage costs and minimizes maintenance and application update costs. The end user’s device functions in an input/output (I/O) capacity, where it receives the image of the server and transmits keyboard strokes and mouse movements. This is arguably the most cost-efficient method of operating VDI as it is capable of a very high virtual PC (vPC) to host ratio.
This kind of virtualization rests on centralized control over the OS since the virtual desktop runs on a server or datacenter rather than each user’s endpoint device. This results in making IT operations such as software installation, configuration, maintenance, security, and troubleshooting hassle-free. Optimum utilization and conservation of IT resources are a given with this kind of virtualization.
Compared to dedicated desktop VDI, the capital expenditure in deploying this model is much lower due to server sharing. Also, the ease of deployment, flexibility, and scalability afforded by this model is higher as well.
3. DaaS: In DaaS, a third-party provider takes care of all your VDI needs, from setup and deployment to maintenance and security protection. It is similar to SaaS (Software as a Service) as the software is detached from the local device and all the processing is done on the cloud server. Similarly, DaaS moves most of the data and its processing to the cloud. Also, this reduces any hassle to manage the VDI setup, and you can focus on your work rather than dealing with IT issues.
It is regarded as one of the cheapest ways to use VDI as most of the IT resources are on the cloud (no need to set up an in-house infrastructure). Also, reputed service providers offer multiple benefits such as high-performance computing, enhanced data security, superior uptime, disaster recovery solutions, data backups, and more. Everything is included in your subscription fee.
Conclusion
Desktop virtualization and VDI come in a variety of different packages and flavors. Understanding the specifications of each model is the first step in choosing a method of virtual desktop deployment that will suit your needs and requirements. Since a one-shoe-fits-all solution to desktop virtualization is not unavailable in the market, understanding which method of deployment serves your needs is crucial for clear communication for a successful experience.
